FIFA U-17 World Cup Indian team stars: 10 things to know about versatile defender Sanjeev Stalin

Sanjeev Stalin is a key member of the India U-17s

India's national U-17 football team are all set to make their debut in the forthcoming FIFA U-17 World Cup. With the country with a humongous 1.3 billion population hosting one of the biggest footballing tournaments in the world, its national U-17 team have already made big preparations and are all set to showcase their talent before the global community.

India have a strong-looking squad, which could prove to be a surprise to any squad. The team also have many high-potential youngsters and versatile defender, Sanjeev Stalin will be one of our players to watch out for.

The resourceful Stalin can don any part of the defense and can command the game in midfield. A part of the team since their U-16 days, Stalin is a well-known set-piece specialist. The 16-year-old will likely play on the left flank but can also be used at the centre of the pitch. A player who can swing the ball in many different ways, his presence will bolster the Indian defence and will make it a far lesser fragile unit.

Here are 10 things to know about this versatile player

#1 - Stalin hails from Bengaluru, the capital of the state of Karnataka.

#2 - The versatile defender was born on 1st January 2001.

#3 - His favorite Indian player is none other his father, Stalin Senior.

#4 - His international idol is Diego Maradona, the Argentinian legend and World Cup winner.

#5 - Stalin's favorite Indian club is Lucky Star while it is Arsenal among foreign clubs.

#6 - Stalin's favorite city is Bengaluru, his hometown while homemade food is his favourite

#7 - Vikram is Stalin's favourite celebrity.

#8 - AR Rahman is his favorite singer.

#9 - Daiva Thirumagal is his favorite movie.

#10 - Stalin loves to play futsal, which can be termed as the shortest version of football itself.

Luís Norton de Matos will likely deploy the services of Stalin as a left back. His quick pace, ball control, and his visions are best among the Colts' squad. If he could perform the level we expect from him, India could surprise their opponents and make it into the advanced stages, thus making an entire nation proud.

Stay tuned to this series for more about the Indian team stars who will make the nation proud at the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017.

The FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017 will start on 6th October and the official broadcasters for the event in India are SONY TEN 2 and SONY TEN 3

Edited by Abhijit Bharali